JAXA Education Payload Observation "Blue Earth Gazing"* was performed on board the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo.

*Project Proposer: Takahiro Ando

"Blue Earth Gazing" is an art theme of viewing Earth from space through water, which aims to view Earth from a fresh perspective and introduce Japanese aesthetics as well as to lead to develop into rich culture for the future space society. The "Blue Earth Gazing" was performed by astronaut Chris Hadfield on the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo, from 23:00 to around 27:00, on Friday, February 8, 2013.

Scenery of beautiful blue Earth was video-recorded through floating water under microgravity environment. The PI will publish the work created with the obtained video image at a later date.

The theme was came up with the idea of when we view Earth from space in such a way that the Japanese look up the moon, it may evoke a sense of nostalgia and loving Earth. This theme is expected to become the first step of Earth gazing culture and one of the art for the future space era.

This theme concludes the second period of the series of JAXA Education Payload Observation.

Mr. Ando monitors the proceeding from the User Operations Area at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC).

【Remarks from the PI, Mr. Ando】

Dance of water in microgravity was a totally new and just fascinating as I felt that I had returned to the starting point.

Through this project, I was able to experience the resonance of art and science through the process of collaborative preparation.

Last but not least, I appreciate astronaut Chris for the excellent performance received.

An image obtained during the gazing. (Credit: Takahiro Ando/ Performed by JAXA)